When is it Time to Replace Your Windows?

Replacing Your Windows - Simplified

If you are deciding to replace your windows, you may feel a little overwhelmed. How do you know if your windows need to be replaced? What kind of windows should you purchase? There are many questions to ask yourself and you may wonder if replacing your windows is really worth all the trouble – it is.

Your Windows May Need Replacing if...

♦ Your existing windows are drafty

♦ They have single pane, non-insulated glass

♦ You notice your home is warmer in the summer and colder in the winter

♦ Your windows are 20 years or older

♦ The windows are difficult to open and close, slam down when open or won’t lock correctly

These are all signs that your windows may not be as efficient as they should be and may need to be replaced. Your windows play a significant role in the comfort of your home. Replacing windows is one of the best investments you can make to cut energy costs and to enhance the appearance and value of your home.

Check Out All Your Window Options

Once you have established that your windows need replacing, the next step is to determine what window should be considered to provide you with the best price value for your investment. Match the design of your home – double hung windows are more traditional, sliders and casements are more contemporary. Shapes enhance the Architectural appeal, while bays, bows and garden windows increase the size and brightness of a room.

Today's Windows

Most windows today feature insulated glass units, rather than the single pane glass of the past. Insulated glass has many benefits, including reducing condensation in the panes and keeping your home cozy throughout the seasons. Choosing a high performance glass option will further increase your home’s comfort, and can save you money on your heating and cooling costs.

You'll Want to Select Windows Designed to Fit Your Needs

The availability of window styles is almost endless, allowing you the ability to create a distinctive look for your home. Combine picture windows or geometric shapes with any of our window styles to invent an interesting design and create a unique focal point. Add warmth and light to your home with a large window wall. Create a panoramic view of the outdoors with a bay or bow window. When space is limited, an outward swinging casement window or a slider is a modern and efficient choice. There are a wide variety of window styles to choose from that neatly replace the old.

Get an Extra $500 Off in July

Get an estimate in July and save an additional $500!

That's right, we want to save you more money!!! In addition to our July special offers on roofing, siding and windows - we are prepared to give you an additional $500 off your final written estimate. We know July is a heavy travel month with summer vacations to the beach, so find the time to squeeze in an appointment and you will reap the rewards! Join thousands of other homeowners in the area that have put their faith in our company to give the exterior of their home a facelift.

Some restrictions apply, but not many. Call for details. Not valid on previously signed contracts.

Bay Window Replacement

Bay Windows

What Makes a Bay Window Unique?

Bay windows are magnificent both from the exterior and the interior of a home. Projecting outward, typically set at 30 or 45 degrees, it opens up any room if a conversion takes place. The two end windows are functional and a customer can choose between double hung (up and down operation) ends or casement ends (crank out operation). The two end windows typically flank a center picture window.

Since this extends off of your home it creates a different look and hence is worthy of its cost, which is more than that of a standard window or a three part slider (flat bay). They have an insulated seat board that can be used for additional seating or decorations. Bay windows are more angular in appearance and create great views of the outside with a large center picture window.

Bay Window Installation - Best Practices

Proper installation begins by measuring the opening. The opening must be measured at three locations: top, middle and bottom. The measuring technician must use the smallest of these measurements to determine the width and height of the bay window. It is also critical to measure the wall thickness from the inside of the opening to the outside of the exterior materials. This information is provided to the manufacturer and is calculated into the size of the window (thickness) so that the bay window projects out the correct distance from the end of the exterior building materials. For example, if it is determined that the bay window is going to project out eighteen inches and the wall thickness is seven inches, the total project will be twenty five inches.

It is important to note that the bay window must fit into the opening plumb, level and square, even though the opening may not be any of these. The installation team is responsible for removing the old windows or unit and prepare the opening, leveling off the sill if necessary.

Once the window is plumb, level and square, the team inserts installation screws through the inside jambs. The screws should be placed 8" to 12" apart, starting 4" from the top and bottom. Offset screw locations for more support. Shims should be used to establish spacing at anchoring points and should be penetrated by the installation screw. It is important not to over tighten the screws as this could cause the frame to bow. Our team does not place screws through the head or seat board. We always recheck the sash for proper operation once the screws have been installed.

We understand that the homeowner is the final inspector. Upon completion of the installation we clean the window well and remove all debris from the job site. We make sure the homeowner is familiar with the proper operation and all features of the windows.

Bay Window Roof - Why it is Important

All projected units require a roofing system after installation. The type and style of the roof built will depend on the unit and the architecture of the house. Once the roof is built, installers must use the proper grade of sealant and seal the entire perimeter of the unit and the roof. Note: Warranty Requirement. A roof must be built over the unit after installation. The top of the unit is not designed to prevent water penetration, as manufactured, without a roof.

In many installation scenarios, the bay window can be tied into the soffit or overhang above which does not void the warranty.

Replacement Bay Window Options

Bay windows come with many options, some that you will find in standard windows and others that are unique to bay windows only. Here are a list of options available when you purchase a bay window and have it installed by by Home Visions.

•You can choose to have casement windows or double hung windows in the ends of a bay window.

•Bay windows come with wood interior finishing trim that provides a seamless look and can be painted or stained to match your home’s décor.

Bay Window Completed Project Gallery

Get Your Free Window Report Today

Homeowners do not purchase replacement windows often so the information and choices can be overwhelming, to say the least. Download a copy of our exclusive window report that we have put together so that you can find all of the answers in one place. Here are some of the things you can read about when you get your free report:

Simonton Windows Preferred Installer

Silver Status Preferred Installer Pledge

1. Install Simonton products in a professional and workmanlike manner consistent with industry standards, applicable laws and building codes, and Simonton's installation instructions.

2. Represents Simonton products accurately and consistent with Simonton's product limited warranties, publications and other information available at www.simonton.com.

3. Comply with policies that Simonton implements for the installer designation program; and

4. Refrain from any conduct that might adversely affect Simonton's brand name or good will.

Roof Replacement Review

On-Site Roof Replacement Review - District Heights, MD

Hear what this Home Visions roofing customer had to say:

"HVI did a beautiful job." "We would recommend them to anybody...anywhere." "Love it!"

This roofing project consisted of 2000 square feet (20 squares) of roof replacement with CetainTeed Landmark architectural shingles in color Burnt Sienna. The project was completed in one full day and included all of the accessories including ice and water shield, felt paper, ridge vent, drip edge and chimney flashing. The home is located in District Heights, MD which is in Prince George's County, Maryland.